Testimonial for Lauralee Lightwood-Mater, CD(DONA)
It's hard to put into only 2000 words how important Lauralee's presence was during the birth of our daughter, Maddison. I'll start from the very beginning. Hiring a doula, and Lauralee specifically, meant that we were educated, informed, and had a plan months before our daughter arrived. We had one on one time dedicated to teaching us about the phases of labor, about the role of a doula, but more importantly: an individualized plan based on our preferences as a family. Leading up to our due date, Lauralee was so diligent about checking in to see how I was doing both physically and mentally. When I started laboring, she calmly coached me through 13 hours of laboring at home. At the hospital, Lauralee was a gentle adovcate for my space being both peaceful and relaxed. As a first time Mom, I can overstate how important just that alone was to our birth. When people ask me about what having an unmedicated birth was like, the first thing I tell them is how important/integral Lauralee was. She kept me as calm as possible through the transition phase of labor, she looked me calmly in the eyes when I yelled I couldn't do it anymore and reminded me how strong I was, and how everything I was feeling was my daughter and I working together. She coached my husband through positioning to help me labor. And when the pushing phase of labor came, she calmly (are you picking up on a theme here?) reminded the resident to allow me the second push vs pulling on my daughter, a crucial ten second moment that yielded NO TEARING, and a uncomplicated postpartum recovery for me. She is worth every minute, dollar, and ounce of energy you can give her. If you are searching for the right person, you have found her. As the secret of Lauralee's skill and presence becomes more well-known, I imagine she will be hard to book. Did I mention she documented my whole birth and then stayed to love on my daughter and I after? We have quotes, a timeline, and photos. Moments we will treasure forever.
-Christine Emge
July 18, 2023
Lauralee Lightwood-Mater, CD(DONA)
Lightwood Maternity
Birth Fee: $2100
